Friday, 15 September 2023
The Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards is an important date in the calendar as it showcases the depth of the connections Donegal has with it’s diaspora and celebrates the remarkable contribution individuals and organisations have done to strengthen those connections.
Taking place on Saturday, September 16th at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana, the Awards Ceremony promises to be an enthralling and enjoyable evening with those who continue to contribute greatly to not just the county of Donegal, but the whole island of Ireland and indeed to Irish communities all over the world.
The event is a tribute to one of Donegal’s most prominent and illustrious Diaspora members whose contributions are invaluable to this day.
For 10 years Tip O’Neill was, as Speaker of the American House of Representatives, the 3rd most powerful politician in America, after the President and Vice President. Tip achieved over a long political life very great improvements in the lives of not alone his fellow Irish Americans but also of the least privileged in America generally.
A fundamental player in the Good Friday Agreement, Tip worked closely with John Hume and President Ronald Reagan to bring about Peace in Ireland and establish the International Fund For Ireland (IFI) which to date, has invested significantly to projects in Northern Ireland and the Border counties of the Republic of Ireland.
This years’ recipients are a testament to the impact of Diaspora to communities across Ireland and the globe.
Buncranas own Caroline McLaughlin has dedicated her career to building community relationships and supporting programs for the benefit of fellow diaspora communities and disadvantaged communities and has been instrumental in bettering the lives of emigrants across the world.
John T. Fries, similar to Tip, is a member of the American Donegal Diaspora. His strong connection to his own Irish heritage has been a source of immense pride. His extensive background in IT and innovative mindset has lead to positive changes within the Pharmaceutical, Research and Health sectors across the world.
Hailing from the scenic village of Ramelton, Nobel Prize winner Dr. William C. Campbell has crediting his life-long connection to Donegal as a guiding force throughout his life. His unwavering commitment to scientific discovery and bettering the lives of others has lead to the treatment and eradication of parasitic diseases across the world.
Tickets are still available HERE.
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